Sunday, July 12, 2009

In Season NW: Market Roundup

No matter which market you go to in the next couple of weeks, it's going to be all fruit, all the time, with raspberries, blueberries, blackcaps, loganberries and cherries flooding into the markets. I've already started stashing bags in the freezer for crisps and pies to carry us through the winter, and I've made a couple of batches of shortcakes to keep in the fridge for impromptu desserts. And word is that Baird Family Orchards will have Maryhill peaches starting next week. I love summer!

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Multnomah Village Farmers' Market: There was a bit of sad news with the closing of this wonderful neighborhood market last Thursday. According to market manager Eamon Molloy, the market had struggled to find vegetable farmers and the attendance never really materialized. "The sales didn't justify keeping it open," he said, and the decision was made to close down for the time being.

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Irvington Farmers' Market: Rumors of a farmers' market opening later this season in the Irvington neighborhood will remain just that for the time being. The sponsor of the location that was being considered decided there wasn't enough time to get it started this year. Maybe next year?

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St. Johns Farmers' Market: Last weekend saw the kind of terrific neighborhood support that a well-organized farmers' market can summon with the opening of the St. Johns Farmers' Market. Located within spitting distance of the St. Johns Bridge and gorgeous Cathedral Park, it was mobbed by happy shoppers who not only came to buy but to visit with their neighbors and enjoy the multitude of offerings from local food and beverage vendors. A few of the larger farms were represented, including Sweet Leaf Organics and DeMartini Family Farms, but included a couple of smaller farms from Sauvie Island, as well as other vendors like St. Johns Coffee Roasters and Dovetail Bakery. Dovetail owner Morgan Grundstein-Helvey's (above left) wares were so popular she had to send someone back to the bakery to make more muffins. Luckily it was just a block away!